Why should we celebrate NAIDOC Week?

NAIDOC Week is celebrated every year with an aim to make everyone aware of the culture and the ancient history of the First Nations people in Australia.

‘The 2024 National NAIDOC Poster incorporating the Aboriginal Flag and the Torres Strait Islander Flag (licensed by the Torres Strait Island Council).’ Left: 2024 National NAIDOC Week Poster titled Urapun Muy by Deb Belyea; Top Right: Yaso Ponnuthurai, Bottom Right: Mahesh White Radhakrishnan.

The theme chosen by the NAIDOC Committee for this year “Keep the Fire Burning, Blak, Loud and Proud,” is about recognising, protecting, and sharing the cultural heritage of the Indigenous Peoples who enrich this country.

Kulasegaram Sanchayan asks Yaso Ponnuthurai and Mahesh White Radhakrishnan, who work with Indigenous communities, how we as immigrants should celebrate NAIDOC week.

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Yaso Ponnuthurai with Gail Mabo (born 1965), an Australian visual artist who has had her work exhibited across Australia. She is the daughter of land rights campaigner Eddie Mabo and educator and activist Bonita Mabo. She was formerly a dancer and choreographer.

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